The Hornets(35-41) will play a must-win game on Saturday night as they take on the Timberwolves. The T-Wolves(32-43) are still alive in the playoff race, but a loss to the Hornets could end their season early. For New Orleans, Chris Paul and Tyson Chandler will be game-time decisions, both were injured this past Wednesday night in a victory over the Sonics. The Hornets have won three of their last four games, but are now back to a three-game deficit behind the Clippers for the final spot in the West. There is speculation that this may be Kevin Garnett's final season as a Timberwolve, but there is no word yet on any trade talks. K.G. could be going into his third straight year without a post-season berth, the T-Wolves were the top seed in the West back in the 2003-3004 season.Season Series: Hornets lead 2-1Key Matchup: David West Vs Kevin Garnett
I watched most of this game and early on the Hornets didn't look good. Chris Paul really played well, especially for being injured, and helped them pull out the win. :biggrin: The Hornets aren't out of the playoff race yet, but all they can afford is MAYBE 1 more loss. They must win both against the Clippers when they play them to secure the number eight seed.
Recap: The Hornets entered Saturday night with very slim chances of making the post-season. When Saturday night had come to an end, the Hornets had put themselves right back into the race. New Olreans took out Minnesota 96-94 in a very important game. Chris Paul suited up Saturday's game against the Timberwolves and scored 18 points and dished out 10 assists, Paul had been injured the night before and missed Friday's loss to the Suns. David West chipped in with 15 points, while Rasual Butler scored 17. The Hornets(36-41) have won four of their last five games. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves(32-44) have five of their last seven games, and are basically eliminated out of post-season contention. Second-year Rashad McCants scored 17 for the Wolves, who also made three of his five three-pointers. Kevin Garnett was held to only 13 points and 12 rebounds. The Hornets will play a tough stretch of games this upcoming week, with a game against the Clippers, Nuggets and Rockets. The Nuggets and Clippers are both holding on to the 6th and 8th spots in the West, while the Rockets are holding on to the 5th spot. New Orleans would need to win every game this week to have a shot at the 8th spot. There is no word yet on if Tyson Chandler will suit up on Tuesday against the Clippers. The Hornets have already lost Desmond Mason for the rest of the regular season, and Peja Stojakovic has already missed 64 games due to his season-ending back injury.Leaders of the Night:HornetsC. Paul- 18pts 3reb 10astR. Butler- 17pts 8rebD. West- 15pts 9rebM. Jackson- 15pts 11rebTimberwolvesR. McCants- 17pts 4reb 4astM. James- 15pts 7astR. Foye- 14pts 4reb 6astK. Garnett- 13pts 12reb 4ast 3blkPlayer of the Game: Chris Paul
